SMSGT Richard Bruce Pleger, USAF (Ret.), 71, of Scotland, MD passed away February 17, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous ten-year battle with cancer. Born June 12, 1943 in Witchita, KS he is the son of the late Richard Edward Pleger and Mildred Faye Knott Pleger.

On January 19, 1962, he married his beloved wife, Myra Jane Pleger. Together they celebrated 53 wonderful years of marriage. Richard was a Jack of all trades, and he especially enjoyed sailing and riding motorcycles. However, his greatest love was for his country and his beloved family. He was an accomplished Eagle Scout and a member of the American Motorcyclist Association.

On July 7, 1962, Richard proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force and dedicated over twenty-two years of service to his country until his retirement in 1984 as a Senior Master Sergeant. He enlisted in San Diego, CA, and served on bases in Germany, Alaska, Utah, North Dakota, and Maryland. He served with the 89th Military Airlift Wing (MAW), known as "Sam Fox," on Jet Stars. After retirement he managed the galley at Patuxent River Naval Air Warfare Center for nine years and later worked at Lowes and Mitchell's Landscaping.

In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his children, Kristen Michele Bullock (Squeaky) of Fredericksburg, VA; Amanda Kathleen Steele (Jim) of Rawlings, MD; Bruce Edward Pleger (Donna) of Hollywood, MD; Micheal Steven Pleger (Corina) of El Cajon, CA; and Heather Marie Pleger of Scotland, MD. He is also survived by his siblings Rosemary Jackson of San Diego, CA; Jane Gallagher of Santee, CA; and Lynne Edmondson of Flora, IL. He had eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family will receive friends for Richard's Life Celebration on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service officiated by Pastor Jason Staten at 11:00 a.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.